I get the same question many times . . . “Where Can I find a group of people that I can go Nordic Walking with?”
Unless you live in an area that embraces Nordic Walking, you may have a tough time. If you take an organized class from a certified instructor, you should be able to link up with fellow students in your area.
I’m in the San Francisco Bay area and give classes for the American Nordic Walking Association. They are centered in LA. However, my experience with Nordic Walking here is that there is little awareness both in this area and the USA in general.
As a result, most folks have no idea what it is. A glaring lack of advertising and promotion. Sad but true. When I tell them it’s walking with poles – they miss the “walking” part and assume it’s trekking up mountains using poles. NYET! I have to go thru the kick start by the Finns and explain that it’s not on snow…bla bla, yada yada.
Only when someone has been recommended by a doctor or a friend, they “get it” and understand the benefits.
Nordic Walk with a buddy. (photo: ANWA)
I must confess, many of my classes are solo – 1 on 1 sessions. Gee, private lessons for the price of a group. Good for them but not a good ROI for me.
My best suggestion to find others to go with . . is to convince your spouse – but I must say 97% of my clients are women. Men get their exercise by lifting 16 ounce bottles or doing finger push-ups using the TV remote control. Sigh.
While on the trail, people will look at you oddly. “Where’s the snow.” Since they are fitness oriented or they wouldn’t be on th trail, tell them the story. Offer them your poles to try it. Adjust your poles, set their rubber tips and give them the G-2. Nordic Walk along with them. Maybe you will gain friends and get them into it. The benefits far outweigh normal walking.
More reading: Use poles at the next city footrace!
Carpe Diem!